As if to reinforce the positive mood evident at this year's RECon, most of the news on retail real estate this week was good news. One report found that retail rents on prime streets throughout the country have inched up recently, signalling the beginning of recovery. And lenders are increasing the amount of money available for retail transactions, albeit at a slow pace. For more news on retail and retail real estate follow the links below:

CB Richard Ellis brokers say rents for retail spaces on prime U.S. streets grew by double-digits late last year, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.